Wood Sorrel (Oxalis): Quick, Practical Guide

Wood sorrel (Oxalis) is that sour little weed you probably ignored in your yard — but it’s also a long-used edible and folk remedy. It tastes citrusy because it contains oxalic acid, which gives it a lemony tang. People eat it, make tea from it, and sometimes use it for mild digestive complaints or as a source of vitamin C. This page tells you what it does, how people use it, and what to watch for.

What wood sorrel does and how people use it

Cooked or raw, wood sorrel adds bright flavor. Toss a handful of young leaves into salads, sandwiches, or soups for a fresh, tart kick. Chefs also use it as a garnish. For a simple tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves (or a small handful of fresh leaves) in a cup of hot water for 4–6 minutes. It makes a mild, lemony infusion.

Traditional uses include easing minor digestive upset, reducing mild inflammation on the skin when applied as a poultice, and providing vitamin C in a pinch. Modern interest mainly comes from its flavor and nutrient content rather than strong medical effects. If you want a natural way to brighten food and add a little vitamin C, wood sorrel is handy.

Safety, doses, and who should avoid wood sorrel

Oxalic acid is the main safety issue. In small amounts — a few leaves in a salad or one cup of tea — wood sorrel is usually fine for healthy adults. But oxalates can bind calcium and may raise the risk of kidney stones in people prone to them. If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, or low calcium, skip regular use.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid regular or large amounts; there’s not enough reliable data to confirm safety. Kids and pets can be more sensitive — keep servings tiny. Also, because oxalates can lower mineral absorption, don’t use wood sorrel as a daily high-volume food.

Watch for mouth or throat irritation if you eat lots at once. If you take blood-thinning drugs or have a medical condition, check with a clinician before using wood sorrel regularly. It doesn’t have well-known drug interactions, but its mineral-binding effect could matter for some meds and nutrients.

Identification tip: wood sorrel has 3 heart-shaped leaflets (sometimes 5 in related species) and small yellow, white, or pink five-petaled flowers. The taste test helps too — it’s distinctly sour. Don’t eat plants you can’t positively identify.

Try it small: start with a tablespoon of fresh leaves in a salad or one cup of tea. If no issues, you can enjoy it occasionally as a flavor booster or snack. Keep uses modest, store dried leaves in a cool, dark place, and avoid frequent large portions if you have kidney or mineral concerns.

Questions about using wood sorrel with a specific medication or health condition? Ask your pharmacist or doctor — they can give advice based on your health history.